CHINA vs USA

Tanzania: Is it too late for the US to play catch-up with China?

By Edward Nyembo

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Posted on April 19, 2023 07:46

© US VP Kamala Harris and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tanzania on 2 April 2023 (photo: @WhiteHouse)
US VP Kamala Harris and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tanzania on 2 April 2023 (photo: @WhiteHouse)

As geopolitical competition between the US and China on the continent intensifies, one country to watch is Tanzania, a historical Chinese ally, but also a major recipient of Washington aid. Analysts say Washington sees a window of opportunity to increase its leverage in Tanzania.

US Vice President Harris Kamala visited Tanzania during her three-nation Africa tour at the end of March.

Among the many initiatives pledged, she announced that the US will:

  • provide $560m in bilateral aid next fiscal year,
  • expand US–Tanzania commercial engagement,
  • invest in battery-grade nickel industry, which will be sold to the US and the global market, and
  • expand affordable broadband.

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